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Gabrielle Union and Lisa Vidal worked together on BET’s Being Mary Jane for five seasons. During that time, the TV best friends became close off the screen. When the show ended in 2019, the actors kept in touch and shared their support on social media. 

In May 2021, Vidal mourned her son, Scott Jarred Cohen, on Instagram. Union was one of many celebrities to express their love for the Boston Legal alum. 

'Being Mary Jane' actors Gabrielle Union and Lisa Vidal embracing each other in dresses and high heels at a BET event.
Gabrielle Union and Lisa Vidal from ‘Being Mary Jane’ | Bobby Metelus/Getty Images

Gabrielle Union and Lisa Vidal had great ‘chemistry’ on ‘Being Mary Jane’ 

Before Being Mary Jane aired on BET in 2012, both Union and Vidal were already thriving in Hollywood. Union became famous for her roles in Bring It On, Deliver Us From Eva, and Daddy’s Little Girls. Vidal also earned notoriety for her work on ER, Third Watch, and Chasing Papi. However, the pair didn’t meet until Being Mary Jane went from a TV movie to a series. 

On the show, Union and Vidal played Mary Jane Paul and Kara Lynch. The co-workers and best friends juggled dating, divorce, and children with their demanding jobs in broadcast news. The pair frequently leaned on each other and even moved from Atlanta to New York together. 

Vidal shared with ABC News in 2020 that she and Union always had great “chemistry” while working on Being Mary Jane. The actor also said the friends knew they “had something special in that show” from its pilot. 

How Gabrielle Union showed her love for her ‘Being Mary Jane’ co-star Lisa Vidal

After Being Mary Jane ended, Union and Vidal remained friends. The actors joined forces to promote the Think Like A Man actor’s clothing line with New York & Company. Vidal and Union’s Being Mary Jane co-stars, Raven Goodwin and Margaret Avery, also joined the photoshoot. 

Vidal and Union also gushed over their families on Instagram. Like many of Union’s celebrity friends, the actor often comments on her co-star’s family photos of herself with Dwyane Wade and their children. On Mother’s Day 2021, however, Union shared her support for Vidal while she mourned her son. In April 2021, Cohen died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 28, per RadarOnline. 

“I’m in catastrophic grief,” Vidal wrote in an Instagram tribute to Cohen.  I’m sharing with you that my beautiful baby boy, my angel, my sweet son is gone… a piece of my heart has been torn away.” 

Following her post, Union shared that she can help her friend whenever she needs the actor. 

“I love you & I (heart emoji), Scott,” she commented. “We are here for you, mama!”

Several celebrities shared their love for Vidal and her son

Although Union was one of the first celebrities to support Vidal publicly, she wasn’t the only one to do so. Underneath her post, many actors, including her Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Kelly McCreary, expressed their love and well wishes to Vidal and her family. 

“Oh, Lisa,” McCreary commented on Instagram. “I am sending deepest condolences on this unimaginable loss and love from the very bottom of my heart.” 

To the best mama out there, may Scott Rest In Peace,” Eva Longoria wrote. “Love you, my sweet Lisa.” 

“Thinking of you today, my sweet and beautiful friend,” said Nia Long. “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!”

How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.

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